Jun 21, 2013 ... Saving energy and money can be easy if you know what to look for before ...
energy-saving ideas to keep your costs down throughout the year.
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your community energy company printed on recycled paper
• 608-252-7222. • 800-245-1125. Questions about billing? Call: • mge.com/saving-energy/. • Home Energy Line 608-252-7117. • 800-245-1125. Get more home energy information at: • Heating/Air-conditioning. • Insulating/Weatherizing. • Lighting.
• Windows/Doors. • Appliances. • Water heating.
Contact us for information about:
for renters
energy-saving tips taking responsibility As an individual, your efficient use of energy brings benefits such as lower bills, improved comfort levels in your home and a reduced personal impact on the environment.
Working together we can make a difference. step, we can save 44 million pounds of coal a year. home with compact fluorescent bulbs. If we all take this Replace the five most frequently used lightbulbs in your
listening. learning. MGE takes responsibility to provide information and education to serve our customers and stakeholders. We educate customers today to help inform their decision making. We educate tomorrow’s stakeholders so they can help plan our energy future.
Acting together, our individual choices add up—for the benefit of our community, our environment and our energy future. That’s the power of working together. As your community energy company, we are committed to sharing our experience and energy expertise. You can always contact us for: • Answers to your energy questions. • Energy efficiency information and advice. • Help in evaluating energy-saving options. • Assistance in finding energy-efficient products.
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MGE00176 06/17/2014
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your community energy company printed on recycled paper
• 608-252-7222. • 800-245-1125. Questions about billing? Call: • mge.com/saving-energy/. • Home Energy Line 608-252-7117. • 800-245-1125. Get more home energy information at: • Heating/Air-conditioning. • Insulating/Weatherizing. • Lighting.
• Windows/Doors. • Appliances. • Water heating.
Contact us for information about:
for renters
Working together we can make a difference. step, we can save 44 million pounds of coal a year. home with compact fluorescent bulbs. If we all take this Replace the five most frequently used lightbulbs in your
energy-saving tips taking responsibility
listening. learning.
As an individual, your efficient use of energy brings benefits such as lower bills, improved comfort levels in your home and a reduced personal impact on the environment.
MGE takes responsibility to provide information and education to serve our customers and stakeholders. We educate customers today to help inform their decision making. We educate tomorrow’s stakeholders so they can help plan our energy future.
Acting together, our individual choices add up—for the benefit of our community, our environment and our energy future. That’s the power of working together. As your community energy company, we are committed to sharing our experience and energy expertise. You can always contact us for:
MGE00176 06/17/2014
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Y MC K
• Answers to your energy questions. • Energy efficiency information and advice. • Help in evaluating energy-saving options. • Assistance in finding energy-efficient products.
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.... Y MC K
Save up to $40 per year.
Configure sleep/hibernate settings on computer.
Save electricity and keep your home cooler.
Turn off TV and computer plus the devices connected to them when not in use. Even better, put them on a power strip and turn off the power strip when not in use.
Dry faster and safer and save money.
Clean the clothes dryer lint trap after each load.
Heating/air-conditioning
Appliances & entertainment
What to ask before you rent Who pays for electricity? Who pays for gas? Ask the landlord exactly what energy items you must pay. Plan for utility expenses ahead of time. If you’ll be paying for gas or electricity, visit mge.com and click on “Average Energy Use and Cost” or call MGE at 252-7222. We can provide the average monthly utility cost and the highest and lowest utility cost for the apartment you are considering. Use this as an estimate of what you’ll pay.
Benefit
No matter which fuel heats your water, take these steps to save:
Save water and energy.
Take showers instead of baths.
The common types of heating systems are electric baseboard, forced air, hot water or steam. The most expensive to operate is electric baseboard—at least twice as much as natural gas.
Save water and reduce waterheating costs.
Ask the landlord to install a watersaving showerhead.
What kind of a heating system does the house/apartment have?
Save water and energy.
Tell the owner about dripping faucets or water heater leaks.
Save money and prevent scalding.
Measure the hot water temperature at the tap. Keep it at 120˚F.
Benefit
Water use Who pays for the air-conditioning? The tenant usually pays for air-conditioning unless electricity is included in the rent.
Where is the thermostat located? You can control your comfort and your budget if the thermostat is located in your apartment. An older two- or three-unit apartment building may have only one heating system with one thermostat. If heat is not included in your rent, find out how the heating bill is divided.
.... Ask your landlord if your building meets energy codes for insulation and weatherization. You can also take these steps:
Eliminate drafts and improve comfort.
Use removable rope caulk or shrinkfilm plastic on drafty windows. Get the owner’s permission first. Remov ing window plastic sometimes takes paint with it.
Save energy.
Keep windows, storm windows and doors closed in winter.
Benefit
Insulating/weatherizing
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2
ENERGY STAR labeled products use less energy than other products. They reduce your energy costs and help to protect the environment. We’re an ENERGY STAR partner. Learn more about qualifying products at www.energystar.gov or call MGE at 252-7117.
Look for this symbol when you shop MGE partners with Focus on Energy to bring energy-saving resources and incentives to our customers. 800-762-7077 Focus on Energy focusonenergy.com
Resources and incentives
What to ask before you rent........................................ 2 Heating/air-conditioning........................................... 2 Appliances............................................................... 3 Water use................................................................. 3 Building insulation/weatherization........................... 3 Save energy after you move in.................................... 4 Heating..................................................................... 4 Heating - Gas............................................................ 4 Heating - Electric....................................................... 5 Cooling..................................................................... 5 Lighting.................................................................... 6 Appliances and entertainment............................... 6-7 Water use................................................................. 7 Insulating/weatherizing............................................ 7 Home office equipment............................................ 8 Resources and incentives........................................... 8 Look for this symbol when you shop.......................... 8
Home office equipment
Benefit
Before and after you rent
Buy ENERGY STAR monitors, printers and computers. Use power-saving settings.
Save money and reduce heat produced.
Shut off equipment that’s not in use. A powerstrip can make this more convenient.
Save money and reduce heat produced.
Saving energy and money can be easy if you know what to look for before you sign your lease. This booklet explains what to be aware of and how to plan ahead. In addition, you’ll find helpful energy-saving ideas to keep your costs down throughout the year. For more information, visit mge.com or call us at 252-7117.
Use energy-efficient lights.
Save money and reduce heat produced.
Table of contents
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Home office equipment
Benefit
Before and after you rent
Buy ENERGY STAR monitors, printers and computers. Use power-saving settings.
Save money and reduce heat produced.
Shut off equipment that’s not in use. A powerstrip can make this more convenient.
Save money and reduce heat produced.
Saving energy and money can be easy if you know what to look for before you sign your lease. This booklet explains what to be aware of and how to plan ahead. In addition, you’ll find helpful energy-saving ideas to keep your costs down throughout the year. For more information, visit mge.com or call us at 252-7117.
Use energy-efficient lights
Save money and reduce heat produced.
Resources Focus on Energy focusonenergy.com MGE partners with Focus on Energy to bring energy-saving resources and incentives to our customers. (800) 762-7077 CNET Energy Efficiency Guide Energy-saving and TV power-saving tips: http://reviews.cnet.com/2708-19754_7-42.html
Look for this symbol when you shop ENERGY STAR labeled products use less energy than other products. They reduce your energy costs and help to protect the environment. We’re an ENERGY STAR partner. Learn more about qualifying products at www.energystar.gov or call MGE at 252-7117.
Table of contents What to ask before you rent........................................ 2 Heating/air-conditioning........................................... 2 Appliances............................................................... 3 Water use................................................................. 3 Building insulation/weatherization........................... 3 Save energy after you move in.................................... 4 Heating..................................................................... 4 Heating - Gas............................................................ 4 Heating - Electric....................................................... 5 Cooling..................................................................... 5 Lighting.................................................................... 6 Appliances & entertainment.................................. 6-7 Water use................................................................. 7 Insulating/weatherizing............................................ 7 Home office equipment............................................ 8 Resources................................................................... 8 Look for this symbol when you shop.......................... 8
8
1
7 Eliminate drafts and improve comfort.
Use removable rope caulk or shrinkfilm plastic on drafty windows. Get the owner’s permission first. Remov ing window plastic sometimes takes paint with it.
Save energy.
Keep windows, storm windows and doors closed in winter.
Insulating/weatherizing
Heating/air-conditioning Who pays for electricity? Who pays for gas? Ask the landlord exactly what energy items you must pay. Plan for utility expenses ahead of time. If you’ll be paying for gas or electricity, visit mge.com and click on “Average Energy Use and Cost” or call MGE at 252-7222. We can provide the average monthly utility cost and the highest and lowest utility cost for the apartment you are considering. Use this as an estimate of what you’ll pay.
Ask your landlord if your building meets energy codes for insulation and weatherization. You can also take these steps: Take showers instead of baths.
Who pays for the air-conditioning? The tenant usually pays for air-conditioning unless electricity is included in the rent. What kind of a heating system does the house/apartment have? The common types of heating systems are electric baseboard, forced air, hot water or steam. The most expensive to operate is electric baseboard—at least twice as much as natural gas. Where is the thermostat located? You can control your comfort and your budget if the thermostat is located in your apartment. An older two- or three-unit apartment building may have only one heating system with one thermostat. If heat is not included in your rent, find out how the heating bill is divided.
2
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Benefit Save water and energy. Save water and reduce waterheating costs.
Ask the landlord to install a watersaving showerhead.
Save water and energy.
Tell the owner about dripping faucets or water heater leaks. Measure the hot water temperature at the tap. Keep it at 120˚F.
Water use
Save money and prevent scalding.
Benefit
No matter which fuel heats your water, take these steps to save: Save up to $40 per year.
Configure sleep/hibernate settings on computer.
Save electricity and keep your home cooler.
Turn off TV and computer plus the devices connected to them when not in use. Even better, put them on a power strip and turn off the power strip when not in use.
Dry faster and safer and save money.
Clean the clothes dryer lint trap after each load.
Benefit
Appliances & entertainment
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What to ask before you rent
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....
....
Energy-saving tips by type of product
Appliances
Lighting
Benefit
What appliances are included?
Replace the most-used incandescent bulbs and fixtures with ENERGY STAR lights.
Use less than one-third the energy with fluorescent bulbs and fixtures. Keep your home cooler.
Turn lights off when leaving a room.
Save energy.
Use the lowest wattage bulbs, except for reading.
Save energy.
Replace halogen torchieres with ENERGY STAR fluorescent torchieres. The 300- to 500-watt halogen bulbs can reach 1,000˚F!
Save $50 per year. Keep your home cooler.
Keep bulbs and fixtures clean.
Get more light.
• Make sure appliances furnished by the owner work properly. • Gas dryers and ranges cost half as much to operate as electric appliances. • Side-by-side refrigerators usually cost more to run than top or bottom freezer models. Newer auto-defrost refrigerators cost much less to operate than older ones. • Don’t expect a wall or window air conditioner to cool a multiroom apartment.
Water use In most cases, the landlord pays the water bill. In a duplex or rental house, tenants might pay the water bill.
Appliances & entertainment
Benefit
Switch from an electric to a natural gas dryer.
Reduce drying costs by more than 55%.
Cook in a microwave oven rather than stove.
Heat food faster with less energy.
• The most expensive way to heat water is with an electric water heater. An energy-efficient natural gas water heater heats water for half as much.
Use cold water to wash clothes.
Save money.
• Ask if the shower has a low-flow showerhead. It helps conserve water and energy.
Keep refrigerator fresh food section at 35 to 40 degrees and freezer section between 0 and 5 degrees.
Save energy.
Run the dishwasher at night.
Reduce cooling costs and daytime humidity.
Wash a full load of dishes in the dishwasher.
Save hot water, electricity and detergent.
Use the dishwasher’s air-dry or energy-saver cycle.
Save money.
Dry laundry on a line or rack.
Save money.
Building insulation/weatherization Ask if older buildings have been weatherized. A building with no insulation may have high heating bills and feel uncomfortable.
6
3
4
If you only have one thermostat: Set temperature lower at night and when you’re gone.
Save on heating costs.
If you have more than one thermostat: Set temperature lower in unused rooms and close door.
The bigger the setback, the more you save on heating costs.
Save 1% during setback time period for every 1˚F decrease in temperature.
Heating - Gas Improve comfort and system efficiency.
Keep registers and cold-air returns clear of furniture and drapes.
Increase safety.
Tune up heating system at least every other year.
Prevent problems from too little airflow.
Check furnace filter monthly; replace as needed.
Wastes energy and costs more.
Don’t open windows when you feel too warm.
Improve comfort.
Wear warm clothes to stay comfortable at lower thermostat settings.
Benefit
Heating Y MC K
Ask your landlord to repair energy-using equipment that isn’t working properly. Prompt repair saves money for you and your landlord. Follow these tips to save energy and stay comfortable:
Save energy after you move in
5
Save money and improve comfort.
Improve comfort and system efficiency.
Open drapes to allow sun in. Close at night.
Reduce cooling and dehumidification costs. Improve indoor air quality.
Save money and improve comfort. Prevent heat loss.
Save money. Reduce heat from direct sunlight. Prevent problems. Reduce cooling costs.
Use fireplaces only in the early fall or late spring when not using your furnace. Close the fireplace damper after the fire is out.
Save money.
Improve comfort and security.
Save on cooling costs.
Keep windows tightly latched.
Save on cooling costs.
Reduce air infiltration.
Save 1% for every 1˚F increase in thermostat setting when unit is running. Save 20 to 60 cents per hour for central units. Save 10 to 20 cents per hour for room units.
Cover wall-mounted air conditioners with plastic film or air-tight cover.
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Benefit
Save money and electricity.
Turn off the air conditioner when no one is home. Use a programmable thermostat for central air or a timer for room air conditioners to start cooling before you get home. Use window fans to blow hot air out or bring cool air in instead of AC. Use room fans or ceiling fans instead of air-conditioning. Turn off when leave the room. If buying a dehumidifier, look for an ENERGY STAR® model. Shade your windows: • Close drapes, shades and blinds during the day. Keep air conditioner filters clean. Cook outside or use a microwave to avoid a hot kitchen. Use exhaust fans to remove heat and moisture produced from cooking and showering. Keep registers and cold-air returns
clear of furniture and drapes.
Don’t run furnace fan 24/7.
Set the thermostat at 78˚F or higher.
Save on heating costs.
Air-conditioning is a big electricity user. The colder you set the thermostat, the higher your bill will be.
Cooling
Keep the thermostat at 68˚F or below.
Benefit
Lower thermostat at night and when you’re gone (55˚F lowest setting).
Heating - Electric
....
....
....
Energy-saving tips by type of product
Appliances
Lighting
Benefit
What appliances are included?
Replace the most-used incandescent bulbs and fixtures with ENERGY STAR lights.
Use less than one-third the energy with fluorescent bulbs and fixtures. Keep your home cooler.
Turn lights off when leaving a room.
Save energy.
Use the lowest wattage bulbs, except for reading.
Save energy.
Replace halogen torchieres with ENERGY STAR fluorescent torchieres. The 300- to 500-watt halogen bulbs can reach 1,000˚F!
Save $50 per year. Keep your home cooler.
Keep bulbs and fixtures clean.
Get more light.
• Make sure appliances furnished by the owner work properly. • Gas dryers and ranges cost half as much to operate as electric appliances. • Side-by-side refrigerators usually cost more to run than top or bottom freezer models. Newer auto-defrost refrigerators cost much less to operate than older ones. • Don’t expect a wall or window air conditioner to cool a multiroom apartment.
Water use In most cases, the landlord pays the water bill. In a duplex or rental house, tenants might pay the water bill.
Appliances & entertainment
Benefit
Switch from an electric to a natural gas dryer.
Reduce drying costs by more than 55%.
Cook in a microwave oven rather than stove.
Heat food faster with less energy.
• The most expensive way to heat water is with an electric water heater. An energy-efficient natural gas water heater heats water for half as much.
Use cold water to wash clothes.
Save money.
• Ask if the shower has a low-flow showerhead. It helps conserve water and energy.
Keep refrigerator fresh food section at 35 to 40 degrees and freezer section between 0 and 5 degrees.
Save energy.
Run the dishwasher at night.
Reduce cooling costs and daytime humidity.
Wash a full load of dishes in the dishwasher.
Save hot water, electricity and detergent.
Use the dishwasher’s air-dry or energy-saver cycle.
Save money.
Dry laundry on a line or rack.
Save money.
Building insulation/weatherization Ask if older buildings have been weatherized. A building with no insulation may have high heating bills and feel uncomfortable.
6
3
Heating - Electric
Benefit
Save energy after you move in
If you only have one thermostat: Set temperature lower at night and when you’re gone.
Save on heating costs.
If you have more than one thermostat: Set temperature lower in unused rooms and close door.
The bigger the setback, the more you save on heating costs.
Ask your landlord to repair energy-using equipment that isn’t working properly. Prompt repair saves money for you and your landlord. Follow these tips to save energy and stay comfortable:
Air-conditioning is a big electricity user. The colder you set the thermostat, the higher your bill will be.
Cooling
Benefit
Set the thermostat at 78˚F or higher.
Save 1% for every 1˚F increase in thermostat setting when unit is running. Save 20 to 60 cents per hour for central units. Save 10 to 20 cents per hour for room units.
....
Save on cooling costs. Save on cooling costs.
Save money.
Save money. Reduce heat from direct sunlight. Prevent problems. Reduce cooling costs.
Wear warm clothes to stay comfortable at lower thermostat settings.
Improve comfort.
Don’t open windows when you feel too warm.
Wastes energy and costs more.
Check furnace filter monthly; replace as needed.
Prevent problems from too little airflow.
Tune up heating system at least every other year.
Increase safety.
Keep registers and cold-air returns clear of furniture and drapes.
Improve comfort and system efficiency.
Open drapes to allow sun in. Close at night.
Save money and improve comfort.
Use fireplaces only in the early fall or late spring when not using your furnace. Close the fireplace damper after the fire is out.
Save money and improve comfort. Prevent heat loss.
Keep windows tightly latched.
Improve comfort and security.
Cover wall-mounted air conditioners with plastic film or air-tight cover.
Reduce air infiltration.
Don’t run furnace fan 24/7.
Save money and electricity.
Heating - Gas
Reduce cooling and dehumidification costs. Improve indoor air quality. Improve comfort and system efficiency.
Benefit
5
Keep the thermostat at 68˚F or below.
Save on heating costs.
Lower thermostat at night and when you’re gone (55˚F lowest setting).
Save 1% during setback time period for every 1˚F decrease in temperature.
4
Y MC K
Turn off the air conditioner when no one is home. Use a programmable thermostat for central air or a timer for room air conditioners to start cooling before you get home. Use window fans to blow hot air out or bring cool air in instead of AC. Use room fans or ceiling fans instead of air-conditioning. Turn off when leave the room. If buying a dehumidifier, look for an ENERGY STAR® model. Shade your windows: • Close drapes, shades and blinds during the day. Keep air conditioner filters clean. Cook outside or use a microwave to avoid a hot kitchen. Use exhaust fans to remove heat and moisture produced from cooking and showering. Keep registers and cold-air returns clear of furniture and drapes.
Heating
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Heating - Electric
Benefit
Ask your landlord to repair energy-using equipment that isn’t working properly. Prompt repair saves money for you and your landlord. Follow these tips to save energy and stay comfortable:
If you only have one thermostat: Set temperature lower at night and when you’re gone.
Save on heating costs.
If you have more than one thermostat: Set temperature lower in unused rooms and close door.
The bigger the setback, the more you save on heating costs.
Heating
Benefit
Wear warm clothes to stay comfortable at lower thermostat settings.
Improve comfort.
Don’t open windows when you feel too warm.
Wastes energy and costs more.
Check furnace filter monthly; replace as needed.
Prevent problems from too little airflow.
Tune up heating system at least every other year.
Increase safety.
Keep registers and cold-air returns clear of furniture and drapes.
Improve comfort and system efficiency.
Open drapes to allow sun in. Close at night.
Save money and improve comfort.
Use fireplaces only in the early fall or late spring when not using your furnace. Close the fireplace damper after the fire is out.
Save money and improve comfort. Prevent heat loss.
Keep windows tightly latched.
Improve comfort and security.
Cover wall-mounted air conditioners with plastic film or air-tight cover.
Reduce air infiltration.
Don’t run furnace fan 24/7.
Save money and electricity.
Heating - Gas Keep the thermostat at 68˚F or below.
Save on heating costs.
Lower thermostat at night and when you’re gone (55˚F lowest setting).
Save 1% during setback time period for every 1˚F decrease in temperature.
4
Air-conditioning is a big electricity user. The colder you set the thermostat, the higher your bill will be.
Cooling
Benefit
Set the thermostat at 78˚F or higher.
Save at least 1% for every 1˚F increase in thermostat setting when unit is running. Save 20 to 60 cents per hour for central units. Save 10 to 20 cents per hour for room units.
Turn off the air conditioner (AC) when no one is home. Use a programmable thermostat for central air or a timer for room AC to start cooling before you get home. Use window fans to blow hot air out or bring cool air in instead of AC. Use room fans or ceiling fans instead of AC. Turn off when you leave the room. If buying a dehumidifier, look for an ENERGY STAR® model. Shade your windows: • Close drapes, shades and blinds during the day. Keep AC filters clean. Cook outside or use a microwave to avoid a hot kitchen. Use exhaust fans to remove heat and moisture produced from cooking and showering. Keep registers and cold-air returns clear of furniture and drapes.
Save on cooling costs. Save on cooling costs.
Save money.
Save money. Reduce heat from direct sunlight. Prevent problems. Reduce cooling costs. Reduce cooling and dehumidification costs. Improve indoor air quality. Improve comfort and system efficiency.
5
6
3 Save money.
Dry laundry on a line or rack.
Save money.
Use the dishwasher’s air-dry or energy-saver cycle.
Save hot water, electricity and detergent.
Wash a full load of dishes in the dishwasher.
Reduce cooling costs and daytime humidity.
Run the dishwasher at night.
Save energy.
Keep refrigerator fresh food section at 35 to 40 degrees and freezer section between 0 and 5 degrees.
• Ask if the shower has a low-flow showerhead. It helps conserve water and energy.
Save money.
Use cold water to wash clothes.
• The most expensive way to heat water is with an electric water heater. An energy-efficient natural gas water heater heats water for half as much.
Heat food faster with less energy.
Cook in a microwave oven rather than stove.
Reduce drying costs by more than 55%.
Switch from an electric to a natural gas dryer.
Benefit
Appliances and entertainment
Get more light.
Keep bulbs and fixtures clean.
Save $50 per year. Keep your home cooler.
Replace halogen torchieres with ENERGY STAR fluorescent torchieres. The 300- to 500-watt halogen bulbs can reach 1,000˚F!
Save energy.
Use the lowest wattage bulbs, except for reading.
Save energy.
Turn lights off when leaving a room.
Use less than one-third the energy with fluorescent bulbs and fixtures. Keep your home cooler.
Replace the most-used incandescent bulbs and fixtures with ENERGY STAR lights.
Benefit
Lighting
Ask if older buildings have been weatherized. A building with no insulation may have high heating bills and feel uncomfortable.
Building insulation/weatherization
Energy-saving tips by type of product ....
Y MC K
Save energy after you move in
In most cases, the landlord pays the water bill. In a duplex or rental house, tenants might pay the water bill.
Water use • Don’t expect a wall or window air conditioner to cool a multiroom apartment. • Side-by-side refrigerators usually cost more to run than top or bottom freezer models. Newer auto-defrost refrigerators cost much less to operate than older ones. • Gas dryers and ranges cost half as much to operate as electric appliances. • Make sure appliances furnished by the owner work properly. What appliances are included?
Appliances ....
.... Y MC K
The bigger the setback, the more you save on heating costs.
If you have more than one thermostat: Set temperature lower in unused rooms and close door.
Save on heating costs.
If you only have one thermostat: Set temperature lower at night and when you’re gone.
Ask your landlord to repair energy-using equipment that isn’t working properly. Prompt repair saves money for you and your landlord. Follow these tips to save energy and stay comfortable:
Heating - Electric
Save energy after you move in
Save money and electricity.
Don’t run furnace fan 24/7.
Reduce air infiltration.
Cover wall-mounted air conditioners with plastic film or air-tight cover.
Improve comfort and security.
Keep windows tightly latched.
Save money and improve comfort. Prevent heat loss.
Use fireplaces only in the early fall or late spring when not using your furnace. Close the fireplace damper after the fire is out.
Save money and improve comfort.
Open drapes to allow sun in. Close at night.
Improve comfort and system efficiency.
Keep registers and cold-air returns clear of furniture and drapes.
Increase safety.
Tune up heating system at least every other year.
Prevent problems from too little airflow.
Check furnace filter monthly; replace as needed.
Wastes energy and costs more.
Don’t open windows when you feel too warm.
Improve comfort.
Wear warm clothes to stay comfortable at lower thermostat settings.
Benefit
Heating
Heating - Gas
Save 1% during setback time period for every 1˚F decrease in temperature.
Lower thermostat at night and when you’re gone (55˚F lowest setting).
Save on heating costs.
Keep the thermostat at 68˚F or below.
....
Benefit
Air-conditioning is a big electricity user. The colder you set the thermostat, the higher your bill will be.
Cooling Set the thermostat at 78˚F or higher.
Turn off the air conditioner (AC) when no one is home. Use a programmable thermostat for central air or a timer for room AC to start cooling before you get home. Use window fans to blow hot air out or bring cool air in instead of AC. Use room fans or ceiling fans instead of AC. Turn off when you leave the room. If buying a dehumidifier, look for an ENERGY STAR® model. Shade your windows: • Close drapes, shades and blinds during the day. Keep AC filters clean. Cook outside or use a microwave to avoid a hot kitchen. Use exhaust fans to remove heat and moisture produced from cooking and showering. Keep registers and cold-air returns clear of furniture and drapes.
Benefit Save at least 1% for every 1˚F increase in thermostat setting when unit is running. Save 20 to 60 cents per hour for central units. Save 10 to 20 cents per hour for room units.
Save on cooling costs. Save on cooling costs.
Save money.
Save money. Reduce heat from direct sunlight. Prevent problems. Reduce cooling costs. Reduce cooling and dehumidification costs. Improve indoor air quality. Improve comfort and system efficiency.
6
3
5
4
Appliances and entertainment
Benefit
Switch from an electric to a natural gas dryer.
Reduce drying costs by more than 55%.
Cook in a microwave oven rather than stove.
Heat food faster with less energy.
• The most expensive way to heat water is with an electric water heater. An energy-efficient natural gas water heater heats water for half as much.
Use cold water to wash clothes.
Save money.
• Ask if the shower has a low-flow showerhead. It helps conserve water and energy.
Keep refrigerator fresh food section at 35 to 40 degrees and freezer section between 0 and 5 degrees.
Save energy.
Run the dishwasher at night.
Reduce cooling costs and daytime humidity.
Wash a full load of dishes in the dishwasher.
Save hot water, electricity and detergent.
Use the dishwasher’s air-dry or energy-saver cycle.
Save money.
Dry laundry on a line or rack.
Save money.
Ask if older buildings have been weatherized. A building with no insulation may have high heating bills and feel uncomfortable.
Building insulation/weatherization In most cases, the landlord pays the water bill. In a duplex or rental house, tenants might pay the water bill.
Energy-saving tips by type of product
Appliances
Lighting
Benefit
What appliances are included?
Replace the most-used incandescent bulbs and fixtures with ENERGY STAR lights.
Use less than one-third the energy with fluorescent bulbs and fixtures. Keep your home cooler.
Turn lights off when leaving a room.
Save energy.
Use the lowest wattage bulbs, except for reading.
Save energy.
Replace halogen torchieres with ENERGY STAR fluorescent torchieres. The 300- to 500-watt halogen bulbs can reach 1,000˚F!
Save $50 per year. Keep your home cooler.
Keep bulbs and fixtures clean.
Get more light.
Water use • Don’t expect a wall or window air conditioner to cool a multiroom apartment. • Side-by-side refrigerators usually cost more to run than top or bottom freezer models. Newer auto-defrost refrigerators cost much less to operate than older ones. • Gas dryers and ranges cost half as much to operate as electric appliances. • Make sure appliances furnished by the owner work properly.
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Save money and reduce heat produced.
Shut off equipment that’s not in use. A powerstrip can make this more convenient.
Save money and reduce heat produced.
Buy ENERGY STAR monitors, printers and computers. Use power-saving settings.
Benefit
Home office equipment
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Before and after you rent Saving energy and money can be easy if you know what to look for before you sign your lease. This booklet explains what to be aware of and how to plan ahead. In addition, you’ll find helpful energy-saving ideas to keep your costs down throughout the year. For more information, visit mge.com or call us at 252-7117.
Table of contents What to ask before you rent........................................ 2 Heating/air-conditioning........................................... 2 Appliances............................................................... 3 Water use................................................................. 3 Building insulation/weatherization........................... 3 Save energy after you move in.................................... 4 Heating..................................................................... 4 Heating - Gas............................................................ 4 Heating - Electric....................................................... 5 Cooling..................................................................... 5 Lighting.................................................................... 6 Appliances & entertainment.................................. 6-7 Water use................................................................. 7 Insulating/weatherizing............................................ 7 Home office equipment............................................ 8 Resources................................................................... 8 Look for this symbol when you shop.......................... 8
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Where is the thermostat located?
Insulating/weatherizing
Benefit
You can control your comfort and your budget if the thermostat is located in your apartment. An older two- or three-unit apartment building may have only one heating system with one thermostat. If heat is not included in your rent, find out how the heating bill is divided.
Keep windows, storm windows and doors closed in winter.
Save energy.
Use removable rope caulk or shrinkfilm plastic on drafty windows. Get the owner’s permission first. Remov ing window plastic sometimes takes paint with it.
Eliminate drafts and improve comfort.
Who pays for the air-conditioning?
Measure the hot water temperature at the tap. Keep it at 120˚F.
Save money and prevent scalding.
The tenant usually pays for air-conditioning unless electricity is included in the rent.
Tell the owner about dripping faucets or water heater leaks.
Save water and energy.
Ask the landlord to install a watersaving showerhead.
Save water and reduce waterheating costs.
Take showers instead of baths.
Save water and energy.
What kind of a heating system does the house/apartment have?
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Save money and reduce heat produced.
Use energy-efficient lights
Resources Focus on Energy www.focusonenergy.com MGE partners with Focus on Energy to bring energy-saving resources and incentives to our customers. (800) 762-7077 CNET Energy Efficiency Guide Energy-saving and TV power-saving tips: http://reviews.cnet.com/2708-19754_7-42.html
Look for this symbol when you shop
7 Ask your landlord if your building meets energy codes for insulation and weatherization. You can also take these steps:
Benefit
No matter which fuel heats your water, take these steps to save:
Appliances & entertainment
Benefit
Heating/air-conditioning
Clean the clothes dryer lint trap after each load.
Dry faster and safer and save money.
Who pays for electricity? Who pays for gas?
Turn off TV and computer plus the devices connected to them when not in use. Even better, put them on a power strip and turn off the power strip when not in use.
Save electricity and keep your home cooler.
Configure sleep/hibernate settings on computer.
Save up to $40 per year.
Ask the landlord exactly what energy items you must pay. Plan for utility expenses ahead of time.
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ENERGY STAR labeled products use less energy than other products. They reduce your energy costs and help to protect the environment. We’re an ENERGY STAR partner. Learn more about qualifying products at www.energystar.gov or call MGE at 252-7117.
2 The common types of heating systems are electric baseboard, forced air, hot water or steam. The most expensive to operate is electric baseboard—at least twice as much as natural gas.
Water use
If you’ll be paying for gas or electricity, visit mge.com and click on “Average Energy Use and Cost” or call MGE at 252-7222. We can provide the average monthly utility cost or the highest and lowest utility cost for the apartment you are considering. For some accounts, we can provide both. Use this as an estimate of what you’ll pay.
What to ask before you rent
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Save up to $40 per year.
Configure sleep/hibernate settings on computer.
Save electricity and keep your home cooler.
Turn off TV and computer plus the devices connected to them when not in use. Even better, put them on a power strip and turn off the power strip when not in use.
Dry faster and safer and save money.
Clean the clothes dryer lint trap after each load.
Heating/air-conditioning
Appliances & entertainment
What to ask before you rent Who pays for electricity? Who pays for gas? Ask the landlord exactly what energy items you must pay. Plan for utility expenses ahead of time. If you’ll be paying for gas or electricity, visit mge.com and click on “Average Energy Use and Cost” or call MGE at 252-7222. We can provide the average monthly utility cost and the highest and lowest utility cost for the apartment you are considering. Use this as an estimate of what you’ll pay.
Benefit
No matter which fuel heats your water, take these steps to save:
Save water and energy.
Take showers instead of baths.
The common types of heating systems are electric baseboard, forced air, hot water or steam. The most expensive to operate is electric baseboard—at least twice as much as natural gas.
Save water and reduce waterheating costs.
Ask the landlord to install a watersaving showerhead.
What kind of a heating system does the house/apartment have?
Save water and energy.
Tell the owner about dripping faucets or water heater leaks.
Save money and prevent scalding.
Measure the hot water temperature at the tap. Keep it at 120˚F.
Benefit
Water use Who pays for the air-conditioning? The tenant usually pays for air-conditioning unless electricity is included in the rent.
Where is the thermostat located? You can control your comfort and your budget if the thermostat is located in your apartment. An older two- or three-unit apartment building may have only one heating system with one thermostat. If heat is not included in your rent, find out how the heating bill is divided.
.... Ask your landlord if your building meets energy codes for insulation and weatherization. You can also take these steps:
Eliminate drafts and improve comfort.
Use removable rope caulk or shrinkfilm plastic on drafty windows. Get the owner’s permission first. Remov ing window plastic sometimes takes paint with it.
Save energy.
Keep windows, storm windows and doors closed in winter.
Benefit
Insulating/weatherizing
8
1
7
2
ENERGY STAR labeled products use less energy than other products. They reduce your energy costs and help to protect the environment. We’re an ENERGY STAR partner. Learn more about qualifying products at www.energystar.gov or call MGE at 252-7117.
Look for this symbol when you shop MGE partners with Focus on Energy to bring energy-saving resources and incentives to our customers. 800-762-7077 Focus on Energy focusonenergy.com
Resources and incentives
What to ask before you rent........................................ 2 Heating/air-conditioning........................................... 2 Appliances............................................................... 3 Water use................................................................. 3 Building insulation/weatherization........................... 3 Save energy after you move in.................................... 4 Heating..................................................................... 4 Heating - Gas............................................................ 4 Heating - Electric....................................................... 5 Cooling..................................................................... 5 Lighting.................................................................... 6 Appliances and entertainment............................... 6-7 Water use................................................................. 7 Insulating/weatherizing............................................ 7 Home office equipment............................................ 8 Resources and incentives........................................... 8 Look for this symbol when you shop.......................... 8
Home office equipment
Benefit
Before and after you rent
Buy ENERGY STAR monitors, printers and computers. Use power-saving settings.
Save money and reduce heat produced.
Shut off equipment that’s not in use. A powerstrip can make this more convenient.
Save money and reduce heat produced.
Saving energy and money can be easy if you know what to look for before you sign your lease. This booklet explains what to be aware of and how to plan ahead. In addition, you’ll find helpful energy-saving ideas to keep your costs down throughout the year. For more information, visit mge.com or call us at 252-7117.
Use energy-efficient lights.
Save money and reduce heat produced.
Table of contents
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your community energy company printed on recycled paper
• 608-252-7222. • 800-245-1125. Questions about billing? Call: • mge.com/saving-energy/. • Home Energy Line 608-252-7117. • 800-245-1125. Get more home energy information at: • Heating/Air-conditioning. • Insulating/Weatherizing. • Lighting.
• Windows/Doors. • Appliances. • Water heating.
Contact us for information about:
for renters
Working together we can make a difference. step, we can save 44 million pounds of coal a year. home with ENERGY STAR labeled bulbs. If we all take this Replace the five most frequently used lightbulbs in your
energy-saving tips taking responsibility
listening. learning.
As an individual, your efficient use of energy brings benefits such as lower bills, improved comfort levels in your home and a reduced personal impact on the environment.
MGE takes responsibility to provide information and education to serve our customers and stakeholders. We educate customers today to help inform their decision making. We educate tomorrow’s stakeholders so they can help plan our energy future.
Acting together, our individual choices add up—for the benefit of our community, our environment and our energy future. That’s the power of working together. As your community energy company, we are committed to sharing our experience and energy expertise. You can always contact us for:
MGE00176 06/13/2016
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• Answers to your energy questions. • Energy efficiency information and advice. • Help in evaluating energy-saving options. • Assistance in finding energy-efficient products.
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your community energy company printed on recycled paper
• 608-252-7222. • 800-245-1125. Questions about billing? Call: • mge.com/saving-energy/. • Home Energy Line 608-252-7117. • 800-245-1125. Get more home energy information at: • Heating/Air-conditioning. • Insulating/Weatherizing. • Lighting.
• Windows/Doors. • Appliances. • Water heating.
Contact us for information about:
Working together we can make a difference. step, we can save 44 million pounds of coal a year. home with ENERGY STAR labeled bulbs. If we all take this
for renters
energy-saving tips
Replace the five most frequently used lightbulbs in your
taking responsibility As an individual, your efficient use of energy brings benefits such as lower bills, improved comfort levels in your home and a reduced personal impact on the environment.
listening. learning. MGE takes responsibility to provide information and education to serve our customers and stakeholders. We educate customers today to help inform their decision making. We educate tomorrow’s stakeholders so they can help plan our energy future.
Acting together, our individual choices add up—for the benefit of our community, our environment and our energy future. That’s the power of working together. As your community energy company, we are committed to sharing our experience and energy expertise. You can always contact us for: • Answers to your energy questions. • Energy efficiency information and advice. • Help in evaluating energy-saving options. • Assistance in finding energy-efficient products.
Y MC K
MGE00176 06/17/2014
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